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The Poland international has not played since aggravating the problem during the warm-up for the match against Manchester City last month.

It emerged earlier this week that he could remain on the sidelines for a considerable time and the decision has now been taken to send him to Germany for an operation.

"We had bad news for Lukasz Fabianski because he needs surgery on his shoulder," said Wenger.

"He has decided after having seen a few specialists that he will have surgery in Germany. It means his season is over."

Fabianski had begun to establish himself as Arsenal's No.1 with a series of consistent performances prior to the injury and Wenger must now choose between Manuel Almunia and Wojciech Szczesny.

The experienced Almunia has only just returned from a lengthy lay-off and faces a battle to dislodge youngster Szczesny, who has lined up between the posts in recent weeks.

Wenger continued: "The competition for the places at the moment will be between Wojciech and Almunia. Wojciech will play the next game."

Szczesny admitted on Wednesday that he indirectly caused Fabianski's injury during the Man City warm-up.

Meanwhile, midfielder Alex Song (thigh) will not feature against Newcastle on Saturday, but Theo Walcott has recovered from a minor ankle knock picked up in the midweek win over Everton.

Labels: Fabianski, season, SkySports

Hill broke the deadlock with 13 minutes to go, heading home Adel Taarabt's corner to net just his second goal for the club.

He was also involved in the second goal, swinging in a cross which was convered by Heidar Helguson just five minutes later.

"My wife wants my son William to grow up like Clint Hill, that's the biggest compliment I can pay him," said Warnock.

"He's a gem of a person. Every club should want someone like him around. And what about his dribble for the second goal? Turning the full-back? He hasn't done that since he was at school."

It was only a second defeat in eight league matches for Ipswich since Paul Jewell took over from Roy Keane, but he is still looking for more from his players.

"In the first half we were by far the better team," he said. "I can't fault the effort but we are lacking that killer instinct. Going forward do we want to score goals? Do we want it badly enough?

"When it really matters do they want to go that extra yard, to get a cut eye or a kick in the teeth, to score a goal?

"QPR are on a smashing run so I can't lambast the players. But if we want to be a serious team we've got to do it for 90 minutes."

Labels: SkySports, tribute, Warnock

The Gunners have lost three times at home in the Premier League this season - more than any other team.

And although they used home advantage to claim a thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League last week, the Gunners were held at Leyton Orient in the FA Cup on Sunday, meaning they have had to add another game to their hectic schedule.

Wenger is adamant his players are determined to make amends in the replay at the Emirates on March 2 and believes they must maintain their home form if there are to win a first Premier League title in seven years.

"We know we are in a strong position," said the Frenchman. "The players know that at home our results will have a vital importance to have a chance to win the title.

"The focus will be natural, this team wants to win every single game and the players are disappointed after the Leyton Orient result."

Arsenal return to league action at home to Stoke on Wednesday night, a fixture that has led to some heated words between the camps in recent years.

Wenger has criticised Stoke's physical style and believes his side must concentrate on keeping possession if they are to record a fourth straight league win at the Emirates and move within a point of leaders Manchester United.

"What is important for us against Stoke is for us to have the ball, because the more we can have the ball then the less dangerous they can be in the air," he said.

"We will try to dominate and master the game, because as long as we have the ball, they cannot be dangerous."

Labels: Crucial, SkySports, Wenger

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The 25-year-old scored for the first time in open play since March and doubled his tally against Aston Villa in their 3-1 win on Tuesday.

The goals took him on to five for this season, leaving him halfway to the double figure tally Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded he achieve at the very least before the end of the campaign.

Rooney's return to his goalscoring habits may not be assured just yet, but Nani is confident that the England striker can get back to his best at the right time and help United see off their rivals and land a record 19th title.

"Wayne will go on a run now," said Nani.

"He might not have scored many goals but he is very important for the team because he works so hard in every game.

"Sometimes the games haven't gone the way he wanted but last night was his best performance of this season.

"He will be more confident now and I am sure he will score more goals in the next few games.

"We are a very confident team at the moment.

"We don't want to lose and will work hard to keep this way because we want to finish the season in first.

"I don't know how long we can go on for but we hope to finish the season unbeaten.

"It will be very hard but we intend to win those last games as well."

Labels: rivals, Rooney, SkySports, warns

The versatile 24-year-old limped out of the Old Firm defeat against Celtic on Sunday, as the Light Blues were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at Parkhead.

Naismith has been hampered by this hamstring injury in recent weeks which first emerged when he was involved in a car crash over the Christmas period.

He consequently missed games in January and manager Walter Smith now expects him to sit out the Europa League clash in Portugal on Thursday.

"Steven's problem has been a difficult one for everyone at the club to treat and diagnose," Smith told the club's official website.

"There are times when he starts to feel better and it seems he is able to play but then it flares up again.

"Obviously we'll have to give enough time this time to make sure he fully recovers from the problem.

"I would say it is more than likely he will miss the trip to Portugal now and that's a setback with us.

"Without having spoken to the doctor or the physios about it, I'd imagine he will have to take a fair amount of time out before he can come back."

Rangers' defeat to the Hoops leaves them trailing their local rivals by eight points at the top of the SPL, although they have two games in hand.

Labels: fresh, Naismith, SkySports, suffers

The Blues are way off the pace in the Premier League and crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties to Everton on Saturday.

It means the UEFA Champions League now represents their most realistic opportunity to get their hands on silverware this season and they face an upcoming last 16 clash with FC Copenhagen.

North London sides Arsenal and Tottenham produced fine wins against Barcelona and AC Milan in their respective first-leg ties, but Ancelotti claims there is no extra pressure on Chelsea.

He said: "Not extra pressure but we know Copenhagen very well.

"They are a good team, with fantastic organisation, a dynamic team, they use a lot of speed.

"It's important to know this to prepare well for the game, and to have courage to play."

He added: "Tottenham and Arsenal played a fantastic game. They reached a fantastic result against Barcelona, against Milan.

"The Champions League is difficult to play and every team has an opportunity to win and to do the best."

The Blues travel to Denmark for their match on Tuesday having been handed arguably the easiest possible draw, with Copenhagen rookies in the knockout stage of the Champions League.

However, Copenhagen are unbeaten at home in Europe this term and will prove no pushovers against a side out of touch.

Labels: Carlo, extra, pressure, SkySports

The home side looked set to claim the win at a rain-soaked Parc y Scarlets as they entered added time with a one-point lead, but conceding a penalty from a scrum allowed Pienaar to kick his sixth three-pointer of the night.

Scarlets' losing bonus point took them up to third in the Magners League table, but they will struggle to take any positives from the result after the late drama.

The Welsh outfit had been ahead since the 22nd minute, when a penalty try gave them control. They were indebted to 11 points from Priestland, while all of Ulster's points came via the boot of Pienaar.

Ulster suffered a late withdrawal as fly-half Ian Humphreys was forced to withdraw after a recurrence of a shoulder injury, paving the way for 19-year-old Paddy Jackson to make his first start for the Irish province.

The Scarlets welcomed back four internationals, including Wales new boys Priestland and Josh Turnbull and Scotland wing Sean Lamont.

Ulster had opened up a 6-0 lead by the 10-minute mark as Pienaar kicked two penalties, with the South African also creating his side's best try-scoring opportunity with a 30-metre dash from a lineout.

But Priestland levelled the scores with two quick penalties of his own on 12 and 15 minutes.

The Scarlets then started to assert themselves up front and wing Gareth Maule took full-back Adam D'Arcy over his own try-line before three five-metre scrums resulted in a penalty try.

Although the hosts had the upper hand in the scrum, they could not make things click at the lineout, keeping Ulster in the hunt as Pienaar kicked a third penalty.

Seven minutes from the end of the first half, Ulster regained their seven-point lead as Priestland nailed a well-struck drop-goal.

The rain hammered down after the break and the second half was littered with mistakes, but Pienaar continued to be reliable with the boot as penalties on 48 and 60 minutes brought the visitors to within a point.

And just when it seemed the Scarlets had hung on, number eight Ben Morgan slipped his binding illegally at a scrum, allowing Pienaar to win it at the death.

Labels: leave, SkySports, Ulster

England have not won in Cardiff since 2003 when Johnson himself was skipper, but new boy Wood is far from fazed by the prospect of playing in front of the Welsh crowd.

"I am really excited," he told Sky Sports News. "There's no better place to make your debut. I'd rather be thrown in at the deap end that way and just try and hit the ground running.

"I just want to get there as quickly as possible now. I'm a little bit anxious, so the quicker the game kicks off, the better for me."

The 24-year-old 6ft 5in forward was given the news of his call-up by Johnson at England's training camp in Portugal last week.

"It took a while to wipe the smile off my face, I think it's still there now. I am still pinching myself," he admitted. "I think you have to, especially when you are around some of the guys - World Cup winners, Lions players.

"It is a big environment to be involved with. But also I think you've got to acclimatise really quickly because I need to be a part of it now."

Wood impressed Johnson by his attitude after joining up with the senior squad from the Saxons following injuries to Lewis Moody and Tom Croft.

Wood added: "I just dived in head first. I don't think that was any surprise to people who know me. That is the only way I know, so I just got stuck into the training, got my head down and worked hard and it's obviously made a reasonable impression."

Labels: Cardiff, cauldron, ready, SkySports

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We speak to FA Head of Coaching John Peacock about the new youth football programme.

Fabregas: Barca admiration

Barca took the lead at the Emirates but the Gunners stunned the tournament favourites by snatching victory with two late goals.

Arsene Wenger's men will now take a 2-1 lead to the Camp Nou as they aim to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

And World Cup winner Fabregas believes Arsenal were worthy winners from a memorable clash of two sides famed for their attacking styles.

"It's a massive victory," said the Spanish midfielder. "It's the best game I've experienced in terms of quality and intensity.

"They had the ball, they went for it. We had the ball, we went for it.

"I've never experienced a game with so much quality on the pitch from both teams. Of course it was the right result."

Fabregas came through the Barca youth ranks before joining Arsenal at just 16 and reckons the current Barca side is the "best team in football history".

They won an unprecedented treble in 2009, claiming a third European crown, and Arsenal are eager to capture their first Champions League title after enjoying their first win over Barca in six attempts.

"We want to prove we can win a trophy like this one," Fabregas added. "There are 90 minutes to go and we're playing against a big team.

"If you want to beat them you have to give everything. We will have to give our hearts.

"The second leg will be very difficult. We have to perform very well. They will go out to win and we want to attack.

"You never know what can happen in this type of game."

While Fabregas admits there is plenty of work to be done to knock out Barca, he felt it was important to maintain the feel good factor at the Emirates.

"Winning last night is definitely uplifting," he said.

"We are in the final of the Carling Cup, we have an FA Cup match coming on Sunday and two Premier League games coming up before the second leg against Barcelona.

"I'm hoping this win will be good for the team because since the New Year we've only lost one game and we've won most of our games.

"At the moment we're on a good run and we want to keep it going."

Ian Watson meets Andy Barr to hear how NBA life differs from his roles at Bolton, Saints and Man City.

Our new feature continues to bookmark the finest sporting banter possible in 140 characters.

Touchline tantrums are the order of the day as Gattuso and Jordan go head-to-head (literally) at the San Siro.

Read the thoughts and opinions of Paul Merson with skysports.com

Spurs have confirmed Vedran Corluka will return to light training next week after damaging his ankle against AC Milan.

Liverpool's owners and Sir Martin Broughton remain confident Tom Hicks' threat to sue will fail after the Texan lost another court battle.

Shaun Wright-Phillips has accepted that he is likely to leave Man City at the end of the season.

Alex McLeish has played down calls for contract talks to be opened with Scott Dann and Roger Johnson.

Cesc Fabregas reckons Arsenal's win over Barcelona on Wednesday is the greatest match he has played in.

Labels: Barca, clash, Fabregas, hails, SkySports

Steve Thompson came off the bench to level the scores against his former club in the 74th minute at the Cardiff City stadium after Michael Chopra put the hosts ahead in first-half stoppage time.

And Jones was frustrated not to take a maximum haul as the second-placed Bluebirds bid for promotion from the Championship this season.

Jones said: "It was a difficult game and we probably should have seen it out but the manner we conceded so late on was very disappointing.

"It was the only time we switched off but they have good players and we gave the ball away far too easily during the second half.

"It was a soft goal to give away and you cannot leave the near post unattended. If it was from the centre of the goal then fair enough but not from that position.

"I don't think the referee had a good game as he didn't let the game flow but that is not the reason we have drawn the game as we should have gone for the jugular in the first half when we were well on top."

Despite earning a point, Clarets boss Eddie Howe felt his side deserved to be heading back to Lancashire with all three.

He said: "I think we deserved to win the game as we were in control apart from the opening 15 minutes.

"We bossed possession particularly in the second half and although before the game I would have been pleased with a point, now it's over I think we should have had all three.

"To concede right on half-time was a disappointment, particularly as their player had time for two touches.

The former Bournemouth boss added of the eighth-placed Clarets: "I would love to think we could make a late surge towards the play-offs but we have some tough games coming up.

"I have kept my philosophy from my Bournemouth days and inherited some very good players here so hopefully we can carry on the good work."

Howe also reserved special praise for Thompson, who netted for only the third time this season.

"Steve Thompson was delighted to score against his former club," Howe admitted.

"His attitude is first-class and he has been rewarded with his goal."

Labels: frustrated, Jones, SkySports

The world number four continued his dominance against the Frenchman, as he made it four wins in as many matches while dropping his first set in the series.

Tsonga, playing in his first final since October 2009 following a series of injuries, out-aced his opponent 20-12 in a serve-dominated match, but the Swede's consistency proved decisive in the end.

Soderling broke immediately to lead 2-0 but Tsonga levelled at 3-3 before a further break in the eighth game gave the Swede the upper hand.

He served out the set but Tsonga quickly forged into a 5-2 lead in the second set on the way to levelling the match.

The decider was a keenly fought affair but it was Soderling who earned the crucial break of serve in the eighth game, and he duly served out for the match.

"It has been a tough week as defending your title always gives some extra pressure... I played some close games but the margins have been on my side," he said.

"With three finals and two wins in Rotterdam I can say that I like it here and that the circumstances suit my game."

The Frenchman was content with his week and said he now feels that his tennis - stalled in 2010 with various injuries - has been re-born.

"I played a good match, in fact, it was my best of the week," he said. "I got better with each match this week, I'm pleased with the state of my game.

"I played well but Robin was too strong, especially at the end of the match. I'll take confidence form this match into Marseille next week and then hopefully into the Davis Cup."

Labels: defends, SkySports, Soderling, title

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Smalling started alongside Nemanja Vidic at the heart of United's defence with first-choice Rio Ferdinand still out with a calf strain.

The former Fulham defender delivered an assured performance at Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson's troops secured the points.

Smalling insisted he was not nervous beforehand as he knew for much of the week he would start in Ferdinand's absence.

"I knew I was going to be playing earlier in the week so I had a lot of time to prepare," he said.

"People have been telling me just what a massive game this is.

"Once I got my first touch it was a case of enjoying it and playing like any other game.

"It was a great occasion and I really enjoyed myself. To win it and play my part is a real joy."

The win moved United eight points clear of their neighbours, who have also played a game more, much to Smalling's delight.

The 21-year-old felt City's leveller through David Silva was lucky and that United deserved to claim the spoils, which were settled by a peach of a goal from Wayne Rooney.

"We all saw the table before the game and knew how crucial this game was," he continued.

"It had been emphasised to us all week, every time we stepped on the training field.

"In the end, we got our just desserts. Their goal was pretty jammy and it would have been a travesty if they had taken anything out of that game."

Labels: derby, relished, SkySports, Smalling

The Manchester United fans deserve that from me.

Wayne Rooney.
Quotes of the week

The England international produced an astonishing piece of skill to settle the Manchester derby 2-1 in United's favour with his sublime 78th minute overhead kick.

Rooney later admitted it was the best goal of his career, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he had not seen a better technical strike at the home of the Red Devils.

It was a rare high point in what has been a season of struggle for the United forward, with a loss of form, off-field concerns and a contract wrangle all placing him under the spotlight.

"The Manchester United fans deserve that from me," Rooney said.

"I haven't had the best of seasons and I know how big this game is in Manchester, so I hope they enjoyed that.

"Now the aim is to keep scoring and help us get that title back."

United remain four points ahead of nearest challengers Arsenal as they target a record 19th top-flight title, but now boast an eight-point advantage over City with the further benefit of a game in hand.

"We are the team to catch. We know how it feels to be top of the league and to get over that finish line," Rooney added.

"We have the experience with the manager and the players and we know what we have to do.

"Hopefully within the next six or seven games, we can maintain that gap, or make it bigger."

And Rooney rejected suggestions that Roberto Mancini's expensively-assembled squad were unfortunate to leave Old Trafford with nothing to show for their efforts.

"I don't think they were that unlucky," continued Rooney. "They played OK. They moved the ball well at times. But they didn't hurt us. They didn't penetrate us.

"Other than the Silva chance in the first half, they didn't really have a clear chance.

"We had two or three. Based on that, we deserved to win."

Labels: Rooney, SkySports

The Renault driver underwent a seven-hour operation on Sunday after his right arm was seriously injured in a rally accident.

Surgeons at the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure have had to "rebuild the functions of the forearm", while Kubica also sustained arm and leg fractures.

Professor Mario Igor Rossello, who operated on on the Pole, said: "The hand is warm which means the surgery went well. It was a difficult operation.

"We will need six days to verify if the blood circulation in the limb responds as it should do."

And the head of the intensive care unit, Dr Giorgio Barabino, added: "Kubica is conscious, he talks and understands what has happened.

"The first thing he thought about was his co-driver and was informed about his condition.

"Things are going well considering that there was substantial damage. There were huge difficulties we faced and the necessary measures were taken immediately.

"Kubica lost a lot of blood, that is why the first hour was critical.

"He was unconscious and could not be operated on when he arrived to the hospital. He needed many transfusions during the stabilising process as well as during the very long surgery."

Labels: anxious, faces, Kubica, SkySports

I think it was stupid from him. They were 4-0 up, there was no need for him to react the way he reacted

- Joey Barton on Abou Diaby's reaction to his strong challenge
Quotes of the week

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Arsene Wenger's side were 4-0 up and cruising when Diaby was incensed by a ferocious but legal challenge from Barton.

He pushed him to the ground before raising his hands to Kevin Nolan, giving referee Phil Dowd little option but to send Diaby off.

The numerical advantage helped the Magpies score four goals to hit Arsenal's title charge and earn a memorable draw.

Barton, who scored two penalties in the amazing comeback, said: "I don't understand Diaby's reaction. I went in one-footed, cleanly took the ball and my momentum carried me into him.

"I think it was stupid from him. They were 4-0 up, there was no need for him to react the way he reacted. For me, it wasn't an issue.

"If the Arsenal players don't like being tackled, they should go and play basketball or netball or one of the other games."

Barton believes the Magpies missed out on the win after hauling themselves back into the game after the Gunners had been four-up inside 26 minutes.

He added: "If anything sums up football, that was it.

"At half-time, the game was over against such a great side as Arsenal. But a little bit of lack of discipline with them and the momentum swung in our favour.

"We could have won the game 5-4, 6-4 - Kevin Nolan had a good chance. Very rarely am I lost for words, but in this case, I am a little bit.

"It doesn't happen every week, that. Days like this are few and far between. I don't think the old ticker can take too many more of those."

Barton hailed the spirit in the Newcastle dressing room to fight back the way they did.

He added: "It speaks volumes for the spirit and the character in there that we went out and were able to do what we did out there.

"I am honoured and privileged to have been part of it."

Labels: aposstupidapos, Barton, blasts, Diaby, SkySports

It feels amazing to win the award. It came as a big surprise to me. I never thought I would get this award with all the other players who were in the running. I never thought it would be me

. Ashley Cole on winning England player of the year award
Quotes of the week

Chelsea defender emerged a surprise winner of the eighth online poll on the Football Association's official website.

The award was the perfect boost for Cole as he prepares to become England's most-capped full-back in Wednesday's friendly international against Denmark in Copenhagen by winning his 87th cap - one more than Kenny Sansom.

"But I'm very privileged and proud and thankful to the fans. It's been hard for me at times, but now I think I've got their appreciation and I'm very grateful."

Cole was the subject of intense booing after his error at Wembley led to a goal against minnows Kazakhstan two years ago, but he believes the reaction of the fans went deeper than that error.

"I think it was a more personal thing so it hurt me even more.

"But every time I put on an England shirt, I try my hardest, I want to win, and I think in voting me player of the year the fans are starting to see that.

"I just want to play for my country and do everything I can to win."

Cole insists he still has targets to achieve with England.

"Looking back I think I had a great season - I won the Premier League and the FA Cup and I was in the UEFA team of the season, and now I've won this award," added Cole.

"For me it was a great year and I hope I can carry on keep getting caps and playing well for England and hopefully trying to win something for England and progress further than we have in the past.

"I want to play as long as I can for England.

"At the minute I'm level with a left-back (Sansom) who was an idol of mine and a great player.

"To hopefully take over that record on Wednesday night would be a great achievement."

Labels: award, SkySports, thrilled

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The Bhoys kept their Scottish Cup hopes alive as they came from behind twice with ten men to earn a 2-2 draw with Old Firm rivals Rangers in their fifth-round meeting.

Commons has been impressed by Neil Lennon's since joining last month from Derby and he believes Rangers are the team with problems at present.

"We've been talking about it [winning the Treble] in the dressing room. It's definitely on our minds," Commons told the Daily Record.

"We have the lethal combination of being hard to beat going forward and refusing to leak goals in defence.

"Our display against Rangers showed they are the team with a few worries that need to be sorted out."

Commons, who scored Celtic's first equaliser, admitted it was a blow to be substituted so early on in the game after being sacrificed by Lennon to allow Lukasz Zaluska to replace the sent-off Fraser Forster.

"It was a blow for me but sometimes things happen in games that give the manager no choice with his decision-making," added Commons.

"If you're forced down to 10 men then you might consider me to be a bit of a luxury you can't afford under those circumstances.

"It wouldn't have been possible for the manager to take Gary Hooper off, for instance, while he was needing an out-and-out goalscorer.

"I was a little bit surprised when I saw my number being held up but the fact I looked over to see if it was me might have shown subconsciously I thought it was a possibility I'd be the one who was sacrificed."

Labels: Commons, SkySports, success, Treble

The Spanish striker broke the British transfer record during the winter window, securing a £50million move to Stamford Bridge on deadline day.

Torres has since revealed that he opted to take on a fresh challenge after growing impatient at Liverpool.

His debut for his new employers saw him pitched in direct competition against the Reds, with fate handing him an immediate opportunity to renew acquaintances with his former Anfield colleagues.

He failed to hit the heights expected of him in that clash, with Liverpool claiming a 1-0 win in a game which saw Torres substituted after 65 minutes.

However, Barcelona star Villa, who won the World Cup alongside Torres last summer, believes his fellow frontman will provide value for money at Chelsea.

He said: "Liverpool are not enjoying a good year. I am totally convinced that his move to Chelsea will go well and he will succeed in London.

"It's been very difficult for him, but I'm pleased because I know he wanted to go there. He is very happy and I wish him well."

Villa, who joined Barca from Valencia last summer after being linked with a move to England, has also applauded Liverpool for the manner in which they have gone about replacing Torres.

The Reds have spent big to land Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, and Villa believes both will be successful on Merseyside.

He added: "Each year there are big transfers of this type. It's normal. All teams need to strengthen when they want to win things.

"Liverpool needed to reinforce after the sale of Fernando. They [Carroll and Suarez] are two great players who are worth every penny. I'm sure they'll be a hit with the fans."

Labels: choice, SkySports, supports, Torres, Villa

With the World Cup approaching fast, a good run of form now is crucial - as England found out in 2003.

Having won the tournament in Australia eight years ago on the back of their Grand Slam success, the class of 2011 got off to a positive start as they toppled Wales in Cardiff.

Ironically it was England's first win in the Welsh capital since 2003 - and although there is plenty to work on, boss Martin Johnson will have been pleased with his side's positive approach.

France began the defence of their title with an impressive 34-21 win over Scotland, with the front row, in particular, looking fearsome in Paris.

Scotland will take heart from their display, though, as they scored three tries at the Stade de France.

Ireland escaped with victory in Italy but only after they were given a scare by the Azzurri. Ronan O'Gara's late drop goal snatched victory away from the hosts.

And following all the action, Skysports.com rugby union expert Tony Curtis names his team of the weekend - so feel free to let us know your views via the form below...

One of the few Wales players who can be pleased with his shift at the Millennium Stadium but why wasn't he starting at fly-half? When Hook was eventually moved to 10, the Wales backline looked far more dangerous.

Ashton might be gaining a reputation as being a clinical finisher, but it is worth noting that his work-rate as a winger is second to none and allows him to be in the right positions at the right times.

The centre had a hand in one try - courtesy of his delightful grubber kick - and was unlucky not to score one himself.

So often the whipping boys of the competition, it is rare to see an Italian make it into the XV. However Sgarbi deserves his spot after giving Ireland a torrid time in Rome. Was a threat throughout with some powerful runs, while he made some telling tackles.

One of the few Irishmen to leave Rome with his reputation enhanced. Looked dangerous with the ball in hand and was consistently looking for work.

A faultless performance from the Leicester man, who is really growing into the fly-half shirt for England. Kicked brilliantly all night in Cardiff, while he spotted the gap to set Ashton up for the first try.

Everything that was good about France's back play in Paris came from Parra. He set the pace for the game and kept Scotland on the back foot.

So impressive was France's destruction of Scotland upfront in Paris it is impossible to split up Domingo, Servat and Mas. As a unit, there is possibly not a better front row in world rugby. Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford and the once-untouchable Euan Murray will not enjoy watching the repeats of the match.

Rose to the occasion as skipper and put in an impressive shift for his side. Scored a try, worked tirelessly throughout and was constantly rallying his troops.

Quickly becoming the heartbeat of the England pack and argued a good case to be the man of the match in Cardiff. Made plenty of yards with the ball in hand, was the banker option in the lineout and produced some telling hits in defence.

Watch out Croft there is another Tom with his eyes on the England No.6 jersey ahead of the World Cup. In the absence of Lions international Croft, Wood took his chance at the Millennium Stadium with an impressive debut.

The pick of the Scotland back-row in Paris as he stood toe-to-toe with the French pack. Seemed to cover every blade of grass in attack and defence and was a constant menace at the breakdown.

One of the best players in the world and he showed his talent as he upstaged the Irish pack with a stunning display. Unlucky to walk off a loser as his display deserved so much more.

Labels: Nations, SkySports

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Manager Craig Levein has turned to Conway after Darren Fletcher, Lee McCulloch and Graham Dorrans were forced to withdraw due to injury over the weekend

Wigan defender Gary Caldwell also remains a doubt with a cheekbone injury and will be assessed by the medical team prior to kick-off.

Scotland assistant boss Peter Houston, who is also Conway's club manager at Dundee United, feels the 25-year-old will acquit himself well at international level.

"I had nothing to do with it!" Houston joked when asked about Conway's call-up.

"Craig's form last season was great and he almost got a move down south before he got injured.

"He's got pace and power and is a good crosser of the ball.

"It was without my influence at all. He's deserved it and he's fit and ready for it."

The absence of regular captain Fletcher means that Levein will have to decide on who will wear the armband, but Houston is pleased with the turnout.

"It's the height of the season but look at the small number of call-offs," said Houston.

"Darren Fletcher never misses games so we know he must be injured.

"We've only got one or two this time, whereas in the past we've had seven or eight."

Labels: Conway, earns, Scotland, SkySports